On Sundays, June 2 and 9 at 2 p.m., and on Mondays, June 17 and 24 at 5:30 p.m., Hendersonville guided history walks along its meandering Main Street will be offered. Participants will learn about the history of the town and its interesting architectural designs — including stops at the Historic Courthouse, Skyland Hotel, City Hall, and other historic shops and structures along Main Street. Cost is $10 per person 10 years and older. Children under 10 are free with a paid adult. Space is limited. Reservations are suggested. Gather in the lobby of Hendersonville City Hall at the Police Dept. entrance to begin the walk. City Hall is at the corner of Fifth Avenue East and King Street. Free parking is available at the Police Dept. entrance.
The walks will be about 90 minutes and will be held rain or shine. Stroll with tour guide Mary Jo Padgett to answer such questions as — who donated the land where the new town would be built, what is the age of the oldest block of buildings, what was on the third floor (and in the basement) of the old City Hall, who was the town named for, bordellos, shoot-outs, trolley lines and much more.
Main Street History Walks will continue through July and August. In addition, History Walks in Oakdale Cemetery will begin June 23. Walks in the Historic 7th Avenue District are offered in November. Visit http://maryjopadgett.com/hendersonville-nc-guided-tours-walks-main-street-oakdale-cemetery/ for more information.
Private tours for groups of 8 or more can be scheduled at anytime for Guided Walks on Main Street, in Oakdale Cemetery, or in the Historic 7th Avenue District.
“Locals and visitors may join me to celebrate and share the interesting history and architecture of downtown Hendersonville,” Padgett said. “And on certain Sunday afternoons, I’ll be at Oakdale Cemetery to share some stories. Later this year we will learn more about the 7th Avenue District as well. I believe that knowing our history enriches our lives.”
Padgett served on Hendersonville City Council for eight years, is a journalist and public relations consultant, co-founder and former executive director of ECO, was associate editor at The Mother Earth News magazine, and conducts programs and guided tours in Paris, France, on the American Revolution. Her parents spent their honeymoon in the Skyland Hotel on Main Street. She grew up on a farm in Rutherford County, and has lived in a 100-year-old house in downtown Hendersonville for 38 years.
To make reservations or for more information, phone Padgett at 828-545-3179 or email maryjo@maryjopadgett.com.
Visit www.maryjopadgett.com and click on Guided Walks for a complete schedule of guided walks, including Oakdale Cemetery (Look Homeward Angel) and the 7th Avenue District (Hendersonville’s Gilded Age).
